Best Dance Schools for Kids in Massachusetts

From early childhood PlayDance to Acro Dance to competitive dance classes, we’ve rounded up the Best Dance Schools for Kids in Massachusetts.

Dancing has been proven to have a positive impact on a child’s physical, psychological, emotional, and social wellbeing. Movement is an essential way for children to express themselves. Physical fitness, boosting confidence, developing friendships, and encouraging creativity are some of the life-skills children will develop through the world of dance.

Creativity and self-expression are vital to your child’s well-being, and dancing is a great way to get your child active! So grab those dancing shoes and read on to choose your child’s dance school.

1. Joanne Langione Dance Center – Newton, MA

For over four decades Joanne Langione Dance Center has been bringing quality dance instruction to the community. JLDC’s faculty and leadership team embraces an enduring tradition of excellence preserving the legacy of this family run dance school.

Every student learn in an atmosphere of love and support, to create life-long lovers of dance whether a student dances professionally or for the simple joy of it.

Classes are taught in a state-of-the-art 11,000+ sq. ft. facility featuring 16 ft. high ceilings, sprung Marley floors, full length mirrors, professional audio and HD video systems, and a black-box style dance theater.

JLDC offers a wide variety of dance instruction for children ages 6 months to 18 years old. For babies and toddlers who are discovering so much about the world around them each day, the award-winning Playdance program helps advance physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.

AcroDance is a fusion of classic dance technique with the precision and athleticism of tumbling. In this class students will improve their flexibility, balance, strength, muscle control, and above all, discipline and concentration making them one of the Best Dance Schools for Kids in Massachusetts! To view the full list of class offerings at JLDC visit their program page.

In addition to weekly classes Joanne Langione Dance Center offers themed classes, storytelling, guest teachers and special events in their enrichment programs, that celebrate the beauty of art and dance.

2. Elite Academy of Dance – Shrewsbury, MA

Elite Academy of Dance is a “Studio Like no other” bringing FUN, diverse, and educated training into their classrooms and syllabuses. The faculty committed to providing you with the highest quality of dance education for all ages and levels in a family environment, where memories are created to last a lifetime.

Elite offers a well rounded dance education for boys and girls ages 3 months-18 years old. Classes and levels are customized to your dancers interests and level. You can find a variety of class offerings from Preschool classes, to Acro and Hip-Hop, and Competitive and Pre-Professional level classes.

The Elite Kidz Club: Ages 4 months- 3yo Offers Parent/ Tot Creative movement and dance classes where children learn by exploring, imagination music, colors and more!

Elite Dance Academy goes above and beyond in their classes! They currently provide parents monthly QR codes so they can see what their children are learning in the studio! Monthly themed week classes for recreational program allows children to get excited about learning and dance!

3. DanceFIT Studio – Natick & Sherborn, MA

DanceFIT Studio is an award winning children’s dance and adult fitness studio with locations in Natick, MA, Sherborn, MA, and a busy virtual studio. DanceFIT ran a successful virtual fitness program for 10 years before the pandemic and then in March 2020 launched their live and interactive virtual children’s dance classes. In the past two years, they have served local dancers when in-person classes were not possible, but also children around the country and all over North America. The weekly ballet and kids yoga classes for ages 3-10, feature the same fun and engaging curriculum as their popular studio classes. The dancers look forward to logging in and dancing with Ms. Gina every week.

Small and special in-studio classes for ages 2-8, include pre-ballet, tap, jazz and the popular Tippy Toes classes for ages 2-3 with a parent or caregiver. DanceFIT believes in nurturing a child’s creativity through movement. The passionate team of instructors is dedicated to sharing their love of dance and movement in ways that best resonate with young children- through play, experimentation and expression.

A typical DanceFIT pre-ballet class begins with stretching and growing like a tree, flying and twirling like a butterfly, and jumping like a bunny to warm up and strengthen leg muscles. The dancers practice proper ballet barre etiquette and express themselves through free-dance. In the spring, dancers work towards a small and very special in-studio class time performance. DanceFIT is truly an introduction to the magic of ballet and dance. Scheduling time to twirl with DanceFIT is easy as they offer four separate sessions per year, ballet birthday parties, and summer workshops.

For more info you can visit www.DanceFITStudio.com or email info@dancefitstudio.com

4. Chickee’s Dance World – Worcester, MA

Founded in October 1983, Chickee’s Dance World continues to provide a comfortable and safe atmosphere for our students and parents, we are kind, approachable, thoughtful and we make dance fun!

From humble beginnings in a small one studio building to now 38 years later located at 67 Millbrook Street in the Worcester Business Center directly off the highway with 4 spacious dance rooms and plenty of safe, convenient parking.

Chickee’s Dance World owner and director, Chickee, created her very own “dance world,” with the intention of bringing her passion to all people who loved dance. Almost four decades later, Chickee continues to operate her “dance world” with her daughter Ariana by her side and an incredible team of instructors and staff. At CDW, our goal is to offer every athlete the best instruction in a well-organized, secure, and fun-filled controlled learning environment. Our program exists to provide every participant a chance to succeed through the development of long-term life skills such as confidence, perseverance, a love of movement and a sense of accomplishment in their abilities.

We offer the best care and dance education from our dancers as young as 16 months through our oldest pre – professional dancers. We believe strongly in team unity, sportsmanship, goal setting, respect for others, self-respect, and the development of a strong work ethic. At Chickee’s Dance World there is a sense of community and family. Our dance families make lasting friendships while doing what they love, dance!

5. Groton Irish Dance – Groton, MA

Groton Irish Dance offers non-competitive instruction for children ages 5-18. Centrally located in Middlesex County, classes are taught out of the Groton Grange’s second floor dance hall in downtown Groton.

Groton Irish Dance is led by Kara Howgate-Mello. Kara began dancing in 2009 under the direction of Kieran Jordan, initially concentrating on step dancing but quickly expanding her focus to include sean-nós (old style) dance. Her repertoire is grounded in traditional steps from the south and west of Ireland and draws on both improvisation and formal step dances. Kara has performed at numerous gatherings in the Boston area with the Kieran Jordan Dance group and most recently has taught classes through CCÉ Boston Music School.

Classes for children are currently offered on Saturday mornings and incorporate both sean-nós and old style step dancing. These styles of Irish dance differ slightly from modern step dancing and focus on close-to-the floor footwork and a relaxed style, while exploring how dancers can use their feet as percussive instruments. Students are introduced to reel and jig steps and time is set aside each class for improvisation so that students build up the confidence to dance independently to a variety of tunes.

Groton Irish Dance offers a program which celebrates the social nature of Irish dance and the importance of community. All levels are welcome and all students are encouraged to find joy in making noise with their feet.

6. Miss Monet’s Dance Studio – Athol, MA

Miss Monet’s Dance Studio opened almost 5 years ago in Athol, MA at 460 Main St. Offering dance classes for ages 6 months through adult. Our mission is to expand each students knowledge of dance. Evolve their interest into passion, and encourage each student to achieve their fullest potential. At Miss Monet’s Dance Studio we strive to build confidence and independence in our students.

Students receive ONE FREE TRIAL class before they commit to the season. Our seasons start late August / early September and go until June, mid to late June we host a dance recital. We have a range of genres to choose from, such as; tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and acro.

We hold sessions for Mommy and Me classes and Adult classes. Our Mommy and Me classes are held for a parent and the student. Students ranging from ages 6 months to 8 years of age. These classes help with motor development and skill building, for children on the spectrum.

Our sessions run for 8 weeks, vacations and holidays are not counted in those weeks. Miss Monet’s does offer private one on one lessons and wedding lessons for 8 week sessions. We don’t just hold dance classes and sessions, we offer rental of our studio space. We have had rentals from birthdays, vendor events, baby showers, and even rehearsals for pageants.

Visit our website for more information. We look forward to dancing with you for these years to come!

7. The Dancer’s Sole – Webster, MA

The Dancer’s Sole, located at 6 Main Street in Webster, opened its doors in 2013 and enters 2022 happily celebrating nine years in business. The studio was founded by well-recognized choreographer, experienced instructor & performer, Kristen Surprise St. Laurent.

With more than 30 years of dance training and nearly 20 years of teaching experience, Kristen is committed to providing the highest quality dance education in a fun, rewarding yet professional setting. The Dancer’s Sole – also known as “TDS” – has continued to grow each year and has quickly become of the area’s most popular schools for dance education.

TDS offers classes in several dance genres: ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical/contemporary, hip-hop, modern, acro-dance, and musical theatre/Broadway dance. In 2021, The Dancer’s Sole became certified in Acrobatic Arts, an internationally renowned teaching certification for dance and acrobatics professionals.

Students of all ages are welcome, beginning as young as 18 months old, in both recreational and competitive programs. Dancers can learn, create, and push themselves to their highest potential within every class offered at The Dancer’s Sole.

The studio’s college-educated faculty includes Kristen Surprise St. Laurent and her staff members: Greta Pearson; Lori Hutchinson; Erin Katinas; and Abbie White. The studio’s teachers instill a genuine passion for the arts in their students while providing a safe, enjoyable atmosphere in the classroom.

Featuring two beautiful, recently renovated studio spaces located conveniently on the Webster/Dudley line, The Dancer’s Sole strives to ensure that their students will be treated as family. No matter what your child is seeking for their dance experience, they will be sure to ﬁnd it at TDS!

8. Premier Dance – Auburn, MA

Premier Dance Academy has been providing high quality, fun, professional dance education since 2011, kids how dance can be used as a means to foster their learning and individuality. We take pride in extending the limits of what is possible from a dance academy, uniting advanced learning tools, innovative choreography, and model class structure. Our students are met by a dedicated staff and given the tools to meet their personal goals in the highest rated dance studio in Worcester County!

Is you child interested in busting a move? Breakdance is an athletic style of street dance composed of toprock, downrock, power moves, freezes and more.

Contemporary dance is an expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres. Classical dance training is imperative for contemporary dance breaks the rules of classical technique and strives to connect the mind and the body with creative freedom.

In addition to classic dance classes Premier Dance offers creative movement, improvisation, intro to voice/acting, musical theater, and more!

To view the full listing of classes offered and sign up for your free trial class at Premier Dance visit their website.

9. H&H Dance Academy – Millbury, MA

At HHDA we encourage the children to push themselves to new levels at every class and strive for personal goals. At an early age children are developing social skills by learning how to take turns, follow directions and interacting with other children their age and dance helps mold healthy bodies and minds.

Our certified faculty is professionally trained with many years of teaching experience and are passionate about what they do! Classes take place in our 5,500 square foot facility is equipped with 4 large dance rooms that have professional sprung dance floors, HEPA filters and CCTV cameras for scheduled class viewings.

HHDA classes are available for preschoolers through adults from beginner to advanced dancers in both recreational and competitive levels. Classes are offered in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro, Pointe, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, Jumps and Turns, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Irish Step, Stretch & Conditioning, Adult Tap, Booty Barre, Piloxing, and Latin Fitness. We also offer Birthday Parties, summer camp, and Dancer’s Night Out.

10. Beatz Dance Studio – Grafton, MA

Beatz Dance Studio is family owned and operated in Grafton, MA. This daughter and mom trio are focused on teaching high quality dance for all ages and abilities.

Today’s world finds households often running from one thing to the next and it is more important than ever to find activities for the whole family that provide quality, value and fun in a nurturing, safe space.

“All of the dance instructors are so upbeat and positive. They help to boost my daughter’s confidence during each dance class”– Beatz parent

Offering a variety of classes has proven to be a solid business mix. Children can participate in either recital or non-rectal programs; offering flexibility to choose a long- or short-term commitment. Another unique characteristic of Beatz is that their passion for dance continues through adults. Offering genres that include ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, acro, musical theater, contemporary, lyrical, Zumba and fitness dance – there is something for everyone.

One non-negotiable, when opening the studio was to provide something near and dear to the owners’ hearts. They offer dance education in either private, semi-private or inclusive classes for children and adults which special learning or physical needs.

Beatz Dance is proud to share their love for dance and the team values the individual student while providing quality training with a belief that the passion for dance should grow in all.

“I love Beatz for my 2-year old AND myself because I know the instructors will always uphold a body positive atmosphere for health, friendships and FUN!”– Beatz dancer

With over 25 years of dance experience and 16 years of teaching, our certified and professional team will share their passion and love for dance with you and/or your children. Their 3 Studios are centrally located in Grafton center to welcome you.

11. Diane Cournoyer Dance Center – Northboro, MA

The joy of dancing is for the professional and amateur alike. The discipline, grace, coordination, and feeling of accomplishment benefits the body and the mind of students of all ages. The self confidence acquired lasts a lifetime.

Diane Cournoyer Dance Center is a family-owned-and-operated business for over 60 years. It began in Diane’s home studio and has had several locations as it grew. Her daughter Michelle now owns and operates the studio at its newly renovated location 386 West Main Street, Northboro.

The dance center stresses quality classes with personal attention given to all students with emphasis on body placement and technique. The center offers both recreational and competitive classes for children ages 2 to 18. Classes offered include: Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Irish Step, Acro, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theater.

When young children study dance they learn perseverance and self-motivation. Dancing encourages children to experiment and find different paths to solving problems. It is vital in a child’s personal development that they learn the importance of trial-and-error and from balancing on their toes to raising their arms, dance utilizes the entire body and all of its muscle groups.

Dance improves flexibility, coordination, balance, range of motion, stamina, muscle tone, strength and posture. But physical fitness is just one of many benefits of dance that can enhance your child’s life in so many ways. Dance helps children develop emotionally, socially and cognitively and the dedication, discipline and focus children must learn to practice are important life skills that will transfer over to school work and other aspects of their lives.

Dance class involves showing up on time, every time, fully prepared, with hair fixed and in proper clothing, and instills great habits and accountability. Children learn that their actions not only affect themselves, but others as well. The dedication involved in showing up for rehearsals also shows kids that being committed to something can bring many positives into their lives.

Come dance with us!!! Visit our website Northborodance.com for details about our summer and fall programs.

12. Miss Tricia’s Dance Studio – Maynard, MA

Miss Tricia’s Dance Studio was founded in 2003 and offers a wide variety of dance classes including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, tap and more! Our teachers are talented, dedicated, and committed to bringing out the best in each one of our dancers. Each teacher brings their own wisdom, and experience to pass on their love of dancing to the next generation.

Our dancers learn so much through the art of dance. They learn how practice and effort can help them fulfill their goals. They learn about team work and supporting their fellow dancers. They gain self confidence as their abilities grow and most importantly they have fun!